Process of reducing delta8-11-keto-steroids



2,923,708 PROCESS OF REDUCING A -II-KETO-STEROIDS John M. Chemerda and Erwin F. Schoenewaldt, Metuchen, N.J., assignors to Merck & Co;, Inc., Rahway, N .J a corporation of New Jersey No Drawing. Application March 13, 1953 Serial No. 342,276

31 Claims. c1. 260-23955 This invention is concerned generally with nuclearly saturated steroid compounds having an'oxygen atom attached to the carbon atom in the ll-position of the molecule, and with processes for preparing these ll-oxygenated steroid compounds. More particularly, it relates to novel 1l-keto-cycl0pentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds of the natural sterol and sapogenin series, and of degradation products thereof, and to the novel processes of. preparing said 11.- keto cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds starting with the corresponding A -1 l-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compounds. The ll-ketocyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds prepared in accordance with our novel procedure are valuable as intermediates in the synthesis of other steroid compounds having an oxygen atom attached to the ll-carb'on atom such as corticosterone, cortisone and Compound F.

The application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Serial No. 263,476, filed December 26, 1951, now US. Patent No. 2,798,082, issued July 2, 1957.

The l1-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds, subject of the present invention, have at rings B and C the following chemical structure:

These 11-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds are prepared, in accordancewith out novel procedure, by reacting a A -I1-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 1 hereinbelow) with a reducing agent thereby forming the corresponding 11- hydroxy cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 2) and/or the desired ll-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound. (Compound 3). The 11 hydroxy cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound (when formed) can be converted, by reaction with an oxidizing agent, to the desired ll-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 3). Where the reducing agent employed is an alkali metal and the reaction is carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium consisting of a lower alkanol, or in a medium comprising liquid ammonia substantially free of alcoholic solvents, or preferably in a medium comprising methylamine (either alone or in admixture with liquid ammonia and/or an inert neutral organic solvent), the A -cyclo pentanopolhydrophenanthrene compound is converted es-' sentially to the desired 11-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound substantially uncontaminated by any of the corresponding ll-hydroxy-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

The reactions indicated hereinabove may be chemically represented, insofar as the changes taking place in rings B and C are concerned, as follows:

Reducing Oxidizing I Compound 2 Compound 1 Alkali metal (a) Lower alkanol alone or ,Compound 3 The A ll keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compounds which we ordinarily employ as starting materials in carrying out the presently invented-process are those having a sterol side chain attached to the carbon atom in the 17-position of the molecule such as A 1 l-keto-ergostadiene, A -3-acyloxy-1]-keto-ergostadiene, A 3 acetoxy l1 keto-ergostadiene, A5-3-acyloxy-11- keto-cholestene, A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-cholestene, A B-hydroxy-ll-keto-cholestene, A -3-acy1oxy-l l-keto-stigmastadiene, A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-stigmastadiene, A 3- hydroxy-l l-keto-stigmastadiene, A -3-acyloxy-1 1-keto-cho lenic acid, A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-cholenic acid, A -3-hY -I droxy-ll-keto-cholenic acid, A -3-acyloxy-1l-keto-bisnorallocholenic acid, A -3-acetoxy-11-keto-bisnorallocholenic acid, A -3-hydroxy-ll-keto-bisnorallocholenic acid, A -3- acyloxy-l 1,ZO-diketo-allopregnehe, A -3-acetoxy-11,20-diketo-allopregnene, A 3 hydroxy-l1,20-diketo-allopregnene, A -1l-keto-dehydrotigogenin acylate, Al -l l-keto'dehydrotigogenin-acetate, A -1l-keto-dehydrotigogenin, and the like.

In preparing these A -l1-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compounds, utilized as starting materials in our procedure, we ordinarily start with the corresponding A -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenantherene compounds, certain of which, such as ergosterol-D and 3-acyloxy derivatives thereof, are described in the prior art. Other A1901) cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compounds can be prepared starting with readily available A -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compounds such as cholestene, by treating the A -c'yclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 4 hereinbelow) with N- bromosuccinimide, reacting the resulting A -7-bromocyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 5) with a tertiary amine to form the corresponding A cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound reacting this compound with hydrogen of Raney nickel catalyst thereby selecthe unsaturated linkage attached to the.

in the presence tively reducing carbon atom in the 5-position to form the corresponding A' -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Conrpound 7), and bringing said A' cyclopentanopolyhydro-' phenanthrene compound into intimate contact with a'solution of mercuric acetate in acetic acid thereby producing the corresponding A -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 8). The reactions indi cated hereinabove may be chemically represented (inso- Patented Feb. 2, 1960 far-as the changes taking place in rings B and C are concerned) as'followsz' a l N-bromosuccinimide I: I

, B! Compound 4' Compound 5 Tertiary amine/ Hydrogen-Bailey nickel I Compound? Compound 6 Mercuric acetate 7 p Compounds 7 t The A -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound'thus obtained is converted to the corresponding A: 11 1 keto cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene c0mpound (Compound lfhereinbelow) utilized as starting material in carrying out our process as follows; The

Anstu) cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene Compound (Compound '8) is reacted with perbenzoic acid thus ,hformingf the" epoxide of f the N -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrenecompound which is then reacted with boronftrifluoride in an anhydrous solvent (preferably by addingth ebbron trifluoride in the 'form or" its ether complex to a solution of the'epoxide' of the, A cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound in anhydrous diethyl ether): thereby producing the corresponding A -11 keto cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound (Compound 1). p The foregoing reactions may be chemically represented (insofar as thechemical changes occurring in rings B and C are concerned) as follows:

acid

Compound 9 ether Compound 1 Compound 8 111 accordance with the presently. invented process, the A -1l-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, utilized as the starting material therein, is reacted with areducing agent thereby reducing the double bond connecting the carbon atoms in the 8- and 9-positions of the molecule to form the corresponding nuclearly saturated ll-oxygenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenan; threne: compound. We ordinarily employ a metallic reducingagent in conducting" our novel procedure, as for example, an alkali metal, such as metallic sodium,

metallic potassium, or,.melta1l iclithium-,,or a mercury smas es ,7 g

amalgam of an alkali metal, or an alkaline earth metal such as metallic calcium, or metallic zinc, and the like.

When an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal is utilized as the reducing agent, the reaction is conveniently carried out in a medium comprising a lower alkanol such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, amyl alcohol, and the like, or in a medium comprising liquid ammonia, the latter being utilized as the sole liquid component or, if desired, in admixture with an ethereal solvent such as ether.

Where an alkaline earth metal is utilized as the reducing agent, the reaction can be conducted in a liquid medium consisting solely of a lower alkanol, or the lower alkanol may contain liquid ammonia and/or a hydrocarbon solvent and/or ether admixed therewith, if desired. Where an alkali metal is employed as the reducing agent, a lower alkanol can likewise be used, if desired, as the sole liquid component of the liquid medium, or the lower. alkanol can be used in an admixture with liquid ammonia and/or an inert neutral organic solvent, for example, a hydrocarbon solvent such as benzene,

toluene, or petroleum ether, or an ethereal solvent such as diethyl-ether and the like. The reduction reaction utilizing alkali metals is preferably conducted in a liquid medium comprising methyl amine which can be used as thesole liquid component of the medium, or the methyl aminecan beuscd in admixture with liquid ammonia and/or inert neutral organic liquids such as hydrocarbon solvents, ethereal solvents,and'the like. I.

Where metallic zinc is employed as the reducing agent, it is ordinarilyspreferred to use a'liquid medium comprising a lower alkanol together with a concentrated aqueous solution of a mineral acid such as concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid. Where a mercury amalgam of an alkali metal is used as the reducing agent, the reaction is conducted in a liquid medium comprising a lower alkanol alone or admixed with a hydrocarbon solvent and/orvether.

We" ordinarily prefer to utilize metallic sodium or metallic lithium as the reducing agent and to carry out the reduction operation in a liquid medium comprising methylamine alone, or ethanol alone, or liquid "ammonia alone, or ina medium comprising methylamine and liquid ammonia, or in a medium comprising ethanol and liquid ammonia; and We have found that best'results are obtained utilizing an excess of the metallic reducing agent,

whereby the A -ll-keto cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound is reduced to the corresponding ll-ketocyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound, the extent of reduction being dependent on the liquid medium employed. As noted 'hereinabove, where an alkali metal is employed as the reducing agent and the reaction medium consists of a lower alkanol alone, or methylamine alone, or methylamine inadmixture with liquid ammo'niaand/ or an inert neutral organic solvent, or where the reaction medium comprises liquid ammonia substantially free of alcoholic solvent, the A 11-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound is reduced essentially to the corresponding ll keto cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

As set forth hereinabove, in'addition to the methylamine or lower alkanol component and/or the liquid ammonia component of the liquid medium, we can employ an inertneutral solvent in"conjunction therewith. The ,A -l l-keto-cyclop.entanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound is conveniently dissolved in' the latter solvent (Le. benzene, toluene, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and the like) and the resulting solution mixed with the lower alkanol and/or the liquid ammonia. Although it is posthe inert neutral solvent as a component of such mediums sinceit is thus possible to obtain a more workablere- 5. action mixture and to keep the steroid reactants and product in solution.

Where the reduction reaction is carried out using an alkaline earth metal or an alkali metal such as metallic sodium in a liquid medium comprising ethanol as the sole solvent, or ethanol in conjunction with an inert reaction solvent as described hereinabove, the reaction is preferably conducted at an elevated temperature of about 40-70 C. and for a period of time ranging from about two to three hours, or longer if desired. Where an amalgam of an alkali metal, e.g. sodium amalgam, is utilized in conjunction with a lower alkanol or a lower alkanol admixed with an inert neutral solvent, the reaction is likewise conducted at a temperature of about 25-50 C. and for a period of time in excess of about two hours. Where metallic Zinc in conjunction with a mineral acid is used as the reducing agent, the temperature of the reaction is maintained within the range of about 40-70" C., under which conditions the reaction is ordinarily complete in a period of about two to three hours. If preferred, all of the foregoing reaction procedures can be conducted at somewhat higher temperatures than those set forth hereinabove. When a liquid medium comprising a lower alkanol admixed with liquid ammonia is utilized, the reduction operation is carried out at a temperature of about 40 C., preferably utilizingmetallic sodium or metallic lithium as the metallic reducing agent, and ethanol as the lower alkanol.

Where the reduction reaction is carried out using an alkali metal, preferably metallic sodium or metallic lithium, in a liquid medium comprising methylamine as the sole solvent, the reaction is conveniently conducted at the reflux temperature of the solvent employed, that is at approximately -6 C., although lower temperatures, or higher temperatures under pressure may be utilized, if desired. When a liquid medium comprising methylamine admixed with liquid ammonia is utilized, the reduction reaction is conducted at a temperature of about 40 C. Utilizing methylamine as the solvent and conducting the reaction at a temperature of about 6 C., the reaction is ordinarily complete after a reaction period of about 2.5 hours, whereas when the reaction is conducted employing methylamine in admixture with liquid ammonia and at a temperature of about 40 C., the reaction is preferably conducted for a period of time up to about eighteen to twenty-four hours.

When a liquid medium consisting of liquid ammonia as the sole component or liquid ammonia admixed with an ethereal solvent is used, the reduction reaction is carried out at a temperature of about 40 to -50 C., preferably with metallic lithium as the reducing agent. When this procedure is employed, a lower alkanol such as ethanol, or an easily reducible non-acidic substance such as an ester, i.e., ethyl acetate, is added at the end of the reaction time to destroy any excess alkali metal present. Under these preferred conditions, the time factor does not appear critical, but the reduction reaction is ordinarily run for a period of about one-half to three hours in order to insure completeness of the reaction. Where lithium metal is used as the reducing agent in conjunction with a medium comprising liquid ammonia free of alcohol solvents, we prefer to conduct the reaction for a period of time up to twenty to twenty-four hours.

The ll-oxygenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds obtained in accordance with the foregoing reduction procedure include: A 1l-hydroxy ergostene, A ll-keto-ergostene, A -3,1l-dihydroxy-ergostene, A -3-hydroxy-1l-keto-ergostene, 3,1l-dihydroxy-cholestane, 3-hydroxy-l l-keto-cholestane, A -3,1l-dihydroxy-stigmastene, A -3-hydroxy-l l-keto-stigmastene, 3,11-dihydroxy-cholanic acid, 3-hydroxy-1l-keto-cholanic acid, 3,11-dihydroxy-bisnorallocholanic acid, 3-hydroxy-1l-keto-bisnorallocholanic acid, 3,11,20-trihydroxy-allopregnane, 3-hydroxy-l 1,20-diketo-allopregnane, 1 l-hydroxy-tigogenin, ll-keto-tigogenin, and the like. a

Where the ll-oxygenated cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound obtained in accordance with the foregoing reduction procedure contains a hydroxyl radical attached to the ll-carbon atom, we ordinarily prefer to react this l1-hydroxy-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound with an oxidizing agent such as chromic acid whereby the ll-hydroxy substituent is oxidized to a keto radical, thereby producing the corresponding 11- keto cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound. Where other hydroxy groupings are present in the steroid molecule, as for example a 3-hydroxy substituent, these hydroxy groupings may likewise be oxidized to ketone substituents by utilizing an excess of oxidizing agent. The oxidation reaction is conveniently carried out in a liquid medium comprising a non-oxidizable organic solvent. Where chromic acid is used as the oxidizing agent, we prefer to use acetone or glacial acetic acid such as the liquid medium for the oxidation reaction.

The 1l-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compounds which are obtained in accordance with this procedure include: A -l l -keto-ergostene, A -3,l1-diketoergostene, 3,11-diketo-cholestane, A -3,11 diketo stigmastene, 3,1l-diketo-cholanic acid, 3,1l-diketo-bisnorallochanic acid, 3,1l,ZO-triketo-allopregnane, 3,11-diketotigogenin, and the like.

The following examples illustrate methods of carrying out the present invention, but it is to be understood that these examples are given for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

Example 1 Five hundred milligrams of A -3-acetoxy-l1-ketoergostadiene were dissolved in 25 cc. of boiling absolute ethanol, and to the resulting solution was added 1.5 g. of metallic sodium. The resulting mixture was heated under reflux for a period of approximately two hours, and the reaction mixture was diluted with water.

. The gummy material which precipitated was recovered,

and crystallization was induced by trituration with methanol. The crystalline material was then dried and was found to possess A max. at 2590 A., E% which indicated that reduction had occurred to the extent of about 50-60% of theory. The crude material was chromatographed over alumina, and the methanol eluate was concentrated to dryness to give substantially pure A -3-hydroxy-ll-keto-ergostene; M.P. 165-170 C.

Example 2 One gram of A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene was dissolved in a mixture of 17 cc. of anhydrous ether and 75 cc. of liquid ammonia while maintaining the temperature of the solution at about 40 C. Two-tenths gram of metallic lithium was added, with stirring, to the liquid ammonia solution. The resulting mixture was allowed to stand for a period of about five minutes. Two cubic centimeters of ethanol was added followed by 0.1 g. of metallic lithium, and the mixture was allowed to stand for an additional period of thirty minutes. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, and the ammonia and ether were evaporated from the solution. The residual material was digested with 10 cc. of ethanol to dissolve any unreacted lithium metal. The resulting mixture was then diluted with ether and the ethereal solution was filtered, washed with water, then with aqueous acetic acid, and finally with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The ethereal extract was then dried, and the ether evaporated therefrom to give approximately 400 mg. of crude A -3,ll-dihydroxy-ergostene.

The latter product was dissolved in 10 cc. of acetone, and to this solution was added a solution containing mg. of chromium trioxide dissolved in one cubic centimeter of 10% aqueous sulfuric acid solution. The resulting mixture was allowed to stand at approximately room temperature of a period of about one hour, the reaction mixture was diluted with water, and the crystalgive crude A -3,l1-diketo-ergostene. This material was purified by recrystallization from methanol to give substantially pure A -3,1l-diketo-ergostene; M.P. 162163.5 C. -=+38 (in chloroform).

Example 3 Five grams of A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene was dissolved in 35 cc. of ether, and the resulting solution was added to a solution of 20 cc. of ethanol in 250 cc. of liquid ammonia while maintaining the temperature of the resulting solution at about 4-0 C. One and fivetenths grams of metallic lithium was added, with stirring, to the liquid ammonia. solution while maintaining the temperature of the resulting mixture at about 40 C. The resulting solution was allowed to stand at that temperature of 40 C. for a period of approximately one hour. The reaction mixture was warmed to about room temperature thereby evaporating the ammonia from the solution. The residual material was extracted with ether and the ethereal extract was filtered. The filtered ethereal solution was Washed first with water, then with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, and the washed ethereal solution was dried. The ether was evaporated from the dry ethereal solution to give 4 g. of a crystalline residue which consisted primarily of A -3,1l-dihydroxy-ergostene admixed with a minor amount of A -3-acetoxy11-hydroxy-ergostene.

The mixture of A -3,1l-dihydroxy-ergostene and its 3-acetate (4 g. prepared as described above) was dissolved in 125 cc. of acetone, and a solution containing 1 g. of chromium trioxide dissolved in 6 cc. of water was added to the acetone solution. The resulting mixture was allowed to stand at a temperature of about 25 C. for a period of about one hour. The reaction solution was diluted with water whereupon a crystalline product separated and was recovered by filtration and dried to give a crude product; MP. 138-142 C. This material was purified by chromatography over alumina, and the alumina adsorbate was eluted, first with a solvent consisting of equal parts of diethyl ether and petroleum ether, and then with diethyl ether. Evaporation of the diethyl ether-petroleum ether eluate gave substantially pure A 3,11-diketo-ergostene; -=+38 (in chloroform). Evaporation of the diethyl ether eluate gave substantially pure A 3 hydroxy 11 keto-ergostene; MP. 167.5- 168.5 C.

Example 4 Five grams of metallic sodium in small chunks was added, with stirring, to a solution containing 5 g. of A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostadiene dissolved in 300 ml. of liquid ammonia and 35 cc. of ether, while maintaining the temperature of the resulting mixture at about 40 C. Twenty milliliters of ethanol was added to the resulting mixture,-dropwise, over a twenty-minute period following which 20 ml. of additional ethanol was added more rapidly. Five minutes after all of the ethanol had been added, the reaction mixture was substantially colorless. The reaction mixture was then diluted with water, and the aqueous mixture was extracted with ether. The ethereal extract was washed with water, dried and the ether evaporated therefrom to give 5.02 g. of crude product which was purified by recrystallization from methanol to give substantially pure A -3,11-dihydroxyergostene which was obtained in the term of white crystals; M.P. 155158 C.; max. 2570 A.,. E% 19.8.

Example 5 sulting solution was added a solution containing 1 g. of

A -3-.acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene dissolved in 200 ml. of petroleum ether and, with vigorous stirring, 12.5 ml.

81 of ethanol was added to the mixture. The resulting mixture was stirred for approximately three hours, and was then allowed to stand for a period of about sixty hours. Thirty milliters of ethanol were then added to the reaction 'mixture thereby decomposing excess sodium metal. The

reaction mixture was filtered through a sintered glass filter, and the clear ethereal solution was washed thoroughly with water, and the solvents were evaporated therefrom in vacuo to give a white solid product. This material was recrystallized from aqueous methanol, and the white material thus obtained (M.P. 152.5-155 C.) was dissolved in hot methanol. Upon rapidly cooling this methanol solution, a small amount of material crystallized and was recovered by filtration and dried to give an impure product (M.P. 148-1505 C.). Upon evaporation of the methanolic mother liquors, and recrystallization of the residual material from ethanol there was obtained a different isomer of A -3,ll-dihydroxy-ergostene; M.P. 202205 C. Analysis.-Calcd for C H O C. 80.71; H,'11.57. Found: C, 80.63; H, 11.32.

Example 6 Twelve grams of zinc dust were added to a solution containing 3 g. of A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene in ml. of absolute ethanol. The mixture was heated to reflux temperature, and a solution of 30 ml. of concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid in 30 ml. of absolute ethanol was added to the mixture over a period of about one hour. The temperature of the resulting mixture was maintained at about 60 C. for an additional two-hour period, after which the reaction mixture was allowed to remain at room temperature for a period of approximately sixty-two hours. The crystalline material which precipitated was redissolved by adding a small amount of methanol and warming. The residual zinc was removed by. filtration, water was added to the filtered solution, and the material which precipitated was recovered by filtration. This product was recrystallized from methanol to give substantially pure A -3,11-dihydroxyergostene which was obtained in the form of a white crystalline material; M.P. 153l54-.5 C. Analysis.- Calcd for C l-l O C, 80.71; H, 11.57. Found: C, 81.00; H, 11.68.

it is be.ieved that these two isomers differ as a result of the stereochemical course of the reduction of the Ill-keto group, the lower melting isomer hereinabove being, it is believed, A -3,11/i-dihydroxy derivative and the higher melting isomer being the A -3,1lu-dihydroxy derivative.

Both isomers are believed to difier also from the dihydroxy compound obtained in the reductions using alkali metals in liquid ammonia and/or ethanol as a result of the stereochemical course of the A -doubie bond reduction. Reductions utilizing sodium and ethanol, or employing sodium or lithium in ethanol and/or liquid am-- monia give products which are believed to possess, at the juncture between rings B and C, the configuration C-8fi, C-9oc, whereas the present reduction operation (utilizing zinc) is believed to result mainly in the obtainment of the C-8a, C-Qfi isomeric configuration.

Oxidation of this compound with chromic acid in glacial acetic acid resulted in the production of the corresponding isomer of A -3,1l-diketo-ergostene; MP. 163-164 C. Analysis.-Calcd for (3 1-1 0 C, 81.50; H, 10.73. Found: C, 81.41; H, 10.69; -=i0 (in chloroform). T isomer was not identical with the isomer obtained by the lithium-liquid ammonia-alcohol reduction of A -3-acetoxy-ll-lzeto-ergostadiene followed by chromic acid oxidation of the intermediate A -3,11- dihydroxy-ergostene, as described in Example 3 hereinabove.

in ml. of dry ethyl ether were added with stirringto two liters of liquid ammonia. Twelve grams of freshly cut lithium were then added, and thereaction mixture was stirred at reflux temperature for a period 'ofabout six hours. One hundred and fifty milliliters of absolute ethanol was added to the reaction mixture over a period of thirty-five minutes. After all the ethanol had been added, the blue color due to dissolved lithium disappeared. Forty milliliters of water was added to the resulting mixture, and the ammonia was allowed to evaporate overnight through a mercury trap. The residual ethereal layer was separated, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, and the ether was evaporated therefrom Example 8 To 1.8 liters of liquid ammonia was added dropwise, with stirring, 20.0 g. of A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene in 170 ml. of dry ethyl ether. Twelve grams of freshly cut lithium was then added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for a period of twenty-four hours at a temperature of -34 C. to 60 C. Excess lithium was then decomposed by the dropwise addition of 100 ml. of ethyl acetate. Forty milliliters of water was then added to the reaction mixture and the ammonia was evaporated therefrom by warming the mixture to room temperature. The ethereal layer was separated, washed well with water, dried over sodium sulfate, and the ether evaporated therefrom in vacuo, leaving a crude white solid.

This crude white solid was dissolved in ether and chromatographed over alumina. The alumina 'adsorbate was eluted first with ether and then with a solution of 1% methanol in ether. From the ether .eluate there was obtained A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostene. The 1% methanol in ether eluate yielded A -3-hydroxy-11-ketoergostene, M.P. 166-167 C.

The two compounds were combined, andthe mixture was hydrolyzed by dissolving in alcoholic sodium hydroxide solution containing 2% sodium hydroxide and heating the solution under reflux for a period of thirty minutes. The reaction solution was diluted with water and the aqueous mixture was extracted with ether. The ethereal layer was washed with water, dried and the ether evaporated therefrom in vacuo to give, as the sole product, A -3-hydroxy-ll-keto-ergostene, M.P. 167-168 C., (a) -=-28 (CHCl Example 9 T018 liters of liquid ammonia was added dropwise, with stirring, 20.0 g. of 8(9)-ll-keto-dehydrotigogenin in dry ethyl ether. Twelve grams of freshly cut lithium was then added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for. a period of twenty-four hours at a temperature of 34 C. to -.60 C. Excess lithium was then decomposed by the dropwise addition of 100 ml. of ethyl acetate. Forty milliliters of water was then added to the reaction mixture, and the ammonia was evaporated therefrom by warming the mixture to room temperature. The ethereal layer was separated, washed well with water,

dried over sodium sulfate, and the ether evaporated there- L from in vacuo, leaving a crude white solid.

The residue was refluxed with two liters of 1 M methyl alcoholic NaOH to convert the reduction product to ll-keto-tigogenin, which was isolated in a substantially pure state by recrystallization from methanol, M.P. 226- 10 Example 10 A solution containing 2.5 g. of 8(9)-dehydro-11-keto tigogenin in 100 cc. of dry ethyl ether was added to 500 cc. of liquid ammonia. After addition of 5 g. of freshly cut lithium, there was added dropwise ml. of absolute ethanol over a period of one hour.

After the blue color of the solution had disappeared the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, thereby effecting removal of the ammonia. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, extracted with ethyl ether and the ether extract evaporated to dryness. The residue of crude ll-hydroxy tigogenin was purified by chromatography over alumina to give substantially pure ll-hydroxy tigogenin.

Example 11 A solution containing 0.75 g. of metallic lithium in 500 cc. of methylamine was maintained under reflux, while adding thereto with stirring, 10 g. of A -3-acetoxy-l l-keto-ergostadiene. The blue solution thus ob tained was stirred for a period of approximately five hours, at the end of which time, the solution became colorless. The methylamine was evaoprated from the reaction solution and the residual material was slurried with approximately 400 cc. of water. The aqueous slurry was extracted with 160 cc. of chloroform, then with 80 cc. of chloroform, and the combined chloroform extracts were washed with a 2.5 N aqueoussolution of hydrochloric acid and then with a 2% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The washed chloroform solution was evaporated in vacuo to give crude A 3-acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostene. This material was heated under reflux for a period of one hour, with a solution containing 2.5 g. of potassium hydroxide dissolved in cc. of methanol. was diluted with 100 cc. of water, and the aqueous solution was extracted with 100 cc. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was evaporated in vacuo, and the residual material was recrystallized from methanol to give 7.35 g. of substantially pure A -3-hydroxy-11-ketoergostene; M.P. 168169 C.; [a] =-|-25.

Example 12 Ten grams of A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene were dissolved in 250 cc. of methylamine, and the solution was maintained under reflux while adding thereto, over a period of approximately twenty minutes, a solution containing 0.4 g. of metallic lithium in cc. of methylamine; the rate of addition of the lithium solution was adjusted so that the blue color of the reaction solution disappeared as soon as the solution was added. The methylamine was evaporated from the reaction solution and the residual material was slurried with approximately 400 cc. of Water. The aqueous slurry was extracted with cc. of chloroform, then with 80 cc. of chloroform and the combined chloroform extracts were washed with a 2.5 N aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and then with a 2% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The washed chloroform solution was evaporated in vacuo to give crude A 3-acetoxy-11-ketoergostene. This material was heated under reflux for a period of one hour, with a solution containing 2.5 g. of potassium hydroxide dissolved in 100 cc. of methanol. The resulting methanol solution was diluted with 100 cc. of water, and the aqueous solution was extracted with 100 cc. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was evaporated in vacuo, and the residual material was recrystallized from methanol to give substantially pure A -3-hydroxy-1 l-keto-ergostene.

while adding thereto with stirring, 10 g. of A -3-acetoxy- 1l-keto-isoallospirostene. The blue solution thus ob The resulting methanol solution with approximately 400 cc. of Water.

tained was stirred for a period of approximately five hours, at the end of which time, the solution became colorless. The methylamine was evaporated from the reaction solution and the residual material was slurried The aqueous mem s slurry was extracted with 160 cc. of chloroform, then reflux, for a period of one hour, with a solution con' taining 2.5 g. of'potassium hydroxide dissolved in 100 cc. of methanol. The resulting methanol solution was diluted with 100 cc. of water, and the aqueous solution was extracted with 100 cc. of chloroform. The chloroform solution was evaporated in vacuo, and the residual material was recrystallized from methanol to give 6.1 g. "of substantially pure 3-hydroxy-1l-keto-isoallospirostan.

Example 14 Six grams of metallic sodium were dissolved in 500 cc. of liquid ammonia, 500 cc. of freshly distilled methylamine were added to the solution, and the solution was stirred and maintained for a period of approximately two hours at reflux temperature. To the resulting solution was added a solution containing 10 g. of A ii-acetoxyll-keto-ergostadiene in 75 cc. of diethyl ether and the solution thus obtained was maintained and stirred at reflux temperature for a period of about eighteen hours. The ammonia, methylamine and diethyl ether were evaporated from the reaction solution thereby giving crude A -3acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostene. To this residual material, without purification, was added approximately 100 cc. of 2.5% methanolic solution of potassium hydroxide and the mixture was heated at reflux temperature for a period of about one hour. extracted with chloroform, the chloroform extract was evaporated to dryness in vacuo, and the residual material was crystallized from methanol to give 6.2 g. of substantially pure A -3-hydroxy-l l-keto-ergostene; M.P. 168' l69.5 C.; [a] '=|21.5.

Various changes and modifications may be made in carrying out the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Insofar as these changes and modifications are within thepurview of the annexed claims, they are to be considered as part of our invention.

We claim:

'1. The process which comprises reacting a metallic reducing agent with a A -cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which consists of A -ll-keto-steroids of the following series: the sapogenin series, the ergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and

' having at rings B and C the following structure:

thereby producing the corresponding cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound having at rings B and C the The reaction mixture was 12 I wherein R is a radicalselectedv from the groupconsisting of hydroxy. and keto radicals. I

2. The process which comprises reacting a A -1l-ketocyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which.consists of A -ll-keto-steroid's of the following series: the sapogenin series, the. ergosterol series, the cholesterolseries, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following structure: i

' with an alkali metal in a liquidmedium consisting solely of a lower alkanol thereby producing the corresponding 11-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

3. The process which comprises reacting a A -ll-ltetocyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which consists of A -ll-keto-steroids of the following series: the sapogenin series, the ergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series,the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following structure:

with an alkali metal in a medium comprising liquid ambile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following structure:

with an alkali metal in a liquid medium comprising methylamine thereby producing the corresponding 11- keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

5. The process which comprises reactinga A -l l-ketocyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which consists of A -ll-keto-steroids of the following series: the sapogenin series, the ergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following structure:

and an alkaline earth metal, thereby forming the corresponding ll keto cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound, 1 I

7. The process which comprises reacting together, in a medium consisting of absolute ethanol, a A -ll-ketocyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the .group which consists of A -l'l-keto-steroids of the followingJseries': thelsapogenin series, theergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following structure:

and metallic sodium, thereby forming the corresponding lI-keto-cyclopentanopcrhydrophenanthrene compound.

8. The process which comprises reacting together, in a medium comprising liquid ammonia substantially free of alcoholic solvents, a A -11-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which consists of A -ll-keto-steroids of the following series: the sapogenin series, the ergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane series, and having at rings B and C the following strucand metallic lithium, thereby forming the corresponding 1l-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

9. The process which comprises reacting together, in a medium consisting of mcthylamine, a A -ll-keto-cyclopentanopolyhydrophenanthrene compound, selected from the group which consists of A -ll-keto-steroids of the following series: the sapogenin series, the ergosterol series, the cholesterol series, the stigmasterol series, the bile acid series, the bisnorcholanic acid series, and the pregnane 14 t series, and having at rings B and C the following structure:

and C the following structure:

and metallic sodium, thereby forming the corresponding 11-keto-cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene compound.

11. The process which comprises reacting an alkali metal with A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising mcthylamine, thereby forming A -3-acetoxy-1 l-keto-ergostene.

12. The process which comprises reacting an alkali metal with A -3-acetoxy-11-keto-isoallospirostene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising mcthylamine, thereby forming 3-acetoxy-l l-keto-isoallospirostan.

13. The process which comprises reacting metallic sodium with A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostadiene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising boiling absolute ethanol, thereby forming A -3-hydroxy-l l-keto-ergostene.

14. The process which comprises reacting metallic lithium with A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising liquid ammonia, thereby forming A -3-hydroxy-l l-keto-ergostene.

15. The process which comprises reacting metallic lithium with A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium consisting of mcthylamine, thereby forming A -3-acetoxy-l l-keto-ergostene.

16. The process which comprises reacting metallic lithium with A -3-acetoxy-l1-keto-isoallospirostene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium consisting of mcthylamine, thereby forming 3-acetoxy-1l-keto-isoallospirostan.

17. The process which comprises reacting metallic sodium with A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostadiene, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising methylamine and liquid ammonia, thereby forming A -3-acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostene.

18. The process which comprises reacting A -3- acetoxy-ll-keto-ergostadiene with sodium amalgam in a medium comprising absolute ethanol, thereby forming A -3,1 l-dihydroxy-ergostene.

19. The process which comprises bringing together A -3-acetoxy-1l-keto-ergostadiene, zinc dust and concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid in a medium comprising ethanol, and heating the resulting mixture at a A 3;ll dihydroxy-ergostene. V

20. The process which comprises reacting 8(9)-dehy dro-II-keto-tigogem'n acetate with lithium in a medium comprising liquid ammonia and ethanol, thereby producing ll-hydroxy tigogenin.

21. The process which comprises reacting metallic lithium with8(9)-dehydro-11-keto tigogenin acetate, said reaction being carried outby bringing the reactants to gether in a medium comprising liquid ammonia, thereby forming ll-keto-tigogenin. v v

22. The process which comprises reacting metallic sodium-with 8(9)-dehydro-1l-keto-tigogenin acetate, said reaction being carried out by bringing the reactants together in a medium comprising boiling absolute ethanol, thereby forming ll-keto tigogenin.

23. A method for producing saturated 'lloxygenated steroids of the sapogenin series from corresponding A -11-keto steroids of the sapogenin series which comprises treating the A -11-'keto steroids with an alkali temperature of approximately 60? C. therebyproducing metal selectedfrom the-group consisting of sodium and lithium in solution in liquid ammonia.

- 24. The method of claim23 wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of a low molecular weight alcohol and the product is a corresponding saturated lla-hydroxy steroid.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of methanol and the product is a corresponding saturated lla-hydroxy steroid of the sapogenin series.

26. A method for the production of steroidal 11a hy-,

16 droxy compounds which comprises reducing the corresponding steroidal ll-keto compounds withan alkali metalinammonia solution and inthe presence of an alcohol. I

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the alkali metal islithium. i M I 28. The method of claim'26 wherein the alkali metal is sodium; 7 'p l f 29. The method of claim*26 wherein the alkali metal is potassium. i p

30. The method of claim 26 wherein the steroidal'llehydroXy compoundhas the normal, configuration at C-5 and is produced from the corresponding C-5 normal 11: keto compound. 7

31. The method of claim 26 wherein the steroidal 11ozhydroxy compound possesses the. allo configuration at C5 and is produced from the corresponding ll-keto compound.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Sondheimer Feb. 15, 1955 Chemerda et al. July 2, 1957 OTHER REFERENCES 

1. THE PROCESS WHICH COMPRISES REACTING A METALLIC REDUCING AGENT WITH A $8-CYCLOPENTANOPOLYHYDROPHENANTHRENE COMPOUND, SELECTED FROM THE GROUP WHICH CONSISTS OF $8-11-KETO-STEROIDS OF THE FOLLOWING SERIES: THE SAPOGENIN SERIES, THE ERGOSTEROL SERIES, THE CHOLESTEROL SERIES, THE STIGMASTEROL SERIES, THE BILE ACID SERIES, THE BISNORCHOLANIC ACID SERIES, AND THE PREGNANE SERIES, AND HAVING AT RINGS B AND C THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURE: 